Horror history made as the Raven debuts

On January 29, 1845 the world was introduced to Edgar Allan Poe when the New York Evening Mirror published The Raven. The narrative poem, which was the first work attributed to Poe by name was an instant hit with readers and secured Poe’s place in literary history. Although it made Poe a household name and was widely popular during his lifetime, Poe earned only $9 for the poem’s publication.

Although the first stanza is the most often quoted and many individual lines and phrases have entered popular culture, it is the final stanza which makes The Raven a preternatural classic. It states:

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And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
                                                                                          shall be lifted — nevermore!

True Blood Season 4 Ends, TBRP Returns?

What happens to Twitter TBRP as fans few a fond farewell to the fourth season of the hit series True Blood?

Chances are, we’ll see an increase in participation, according to experts who investigated media use during and after the writers’ strike in 2007-2008.

Zombie Lane launched on Google+

Google+ has opened up a whole new world for zombie haters. Zombie Lane™, new and hilarious look into the zombie phenomenon from Digital Chocolate, a leader in cross-platform social games, is among the first games launched on Google+.

Zombie Lane is currently recruiting brave players in the quest to defend and take back control of their neighborhood from endless waves of zombies determined to eat their brains. Players and neighbors go into survival mode, forced to protect their homes and families from hordes of the rotting but ambulatory dead.

Created specifically by Digital Chocolate to take full advantage of the social features on the Google+ platform, players can customize everything about their characters as well as gift items and share coins between friends or even visit their friends neighborhoods to help in the fight against zombies. Zombie Lane players can purchase weapons from the market or gather materials from around their home to assemble super weapons, like the powerful flamethrower that provides unique firepower. Just be careful! All that takes energy and in early play it is easy to exhaust yourself!

Zombie Lane is from the makers of other social gaming hits including Millionaire City™, Army Attack™ and MMA Pro Fighter. Digital Chocolate will be implementing a steady wave of enhancements and new content to Zombie Lane in coming weeks.

To get started playing Zombie Lane, Google+ members should visit https://google.zombielane.com/?src=zigp. Look for Mena, she’s there. Max Brooks and the guys at the Department of Zombie Defense would be so proud!

Official launch date announced for “Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon”

photo courtesy: Comedy Central

It won’t be much longer until gamers everywhere can get their hands on the first Comedy Central branded arcade game,” said Dan Yang, general manager, 345 Games. “We’ve been working hard to infuse ‘Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon‘ with a combination of addicting game play and the comedic sensibilities that has made the show such a success. We feel that we’ve created an original and memorable game play experience.”

According to 345 Games, the video gaming arm of Comedy Central and Spike TV launched earlier this year, the widely anticipated shooter game Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon will be launching for Sony’s PlayStation®Network on 30 August, 2011 and for Xbox LIVE®Arcade on 31 August, 2011. The retail price will be $9.99 or 800 Microsoft Points.

Published by Comedy Central Games and developed by Backbone Entertainment, this hilarious game unites the humor and spirit of the popular animated comedy-horror series Ugly Americans with classic and addictive dual analog shooting gameplay. Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon features four playable characters, each with their own unique abilities, weapons and strengths. Players comb the streets of New York City, trying to pacify or eradicate raving demons, delinquent man birds and zombies by lactating fire or hurling wacky objects from flying demon skulls to fish to wrenches and even baseballs. As players investigate case files from the Department of Integration, they will find themselves battling devastating and distinctive bosses at the end of each mission. Each case brings players one step closer to discovering just who is trying to bring about the end of days!

Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon features all the voice actors from the popular show. In fact, the script was penned by the writers of Ugly Americans and original characters were created by show creator Devin Clark. Ugly Americans airs on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central. Check your local listings for station information.

Three Games Store relaunched in the UK

Leading UK mobile network operator, Three, has re-launched its Games Store with a string of highly innovative features including social media integration and a dedicated HD games section. A section featuring an extensive selection of social games which allow users to interact and compete with each other is also in the works but not yet available.

What is available is a browser-baser portal store is a variety of games and apps that will appeal to everyone from casual gamers to hardcore game enthusiasts. The objective of the new Games Store is to create a must-go-to destination for all gamers using Three. The huge range of games, tips, information and reviews, as well as the ability to connect with an active community of like-minded players and fans is the latest addition to a growing portfolio of hosted multi-content services managed by the Livewire Mobile Inc. team in partnership with Three.

The relaunched Games Store will support content across a number of phone operating systems.

Currently, the Games Store includes Android games and apps targeted at the increasing number of Three gamers that use the portal as their mobile gaming hub.  A dedicated Android app with integrated Three billing is scheduled to be released ready for devices that will be in-store and available during the holiday shopping season.

“This is an area that continues to grow in popularity and with the biggest 3G network in the UK — and one designed for the high-speed mobile internet — we believe our customers now have access to the very best mobile Games Store in the UK where ever they are,” said Neil Andrews, Head of Media Sales and Content services at Three UK.

Area 5 celebrates @KingNorthmanA5

Last night was @KingNorthmanA5′s death day and the glitterati and political-elite of the supernatural world were out in force to celebrate the Turning of the vampire King of Norway. The invitation-only fete, organized by @Scarlett_Area5 and @PamR_Area5, was the resounding social success of the summer.

Eric Northman is a fixture in Louisiana society, as owner of the popular club Fangtasia and vampire Sheriff of Area 5.  His influence goes far beyond that, both in terms of geography and species, as the guest list shows. Joining his loyal followers from Area 5 were representatives of the fae (ok, one, @Fae_Celeste was a gift to Eric from Scarlett), Weres, humans, demons and even witches. Fellow Sheriffs, @RomanLucious (accompanied by his lady @Tammyjo__) of Mississippi’s Area 2 and Godric, @SheriffArea_9 of Texas attended. Vampire royalty was well represented by Louisiana’s own king @WTCompton while Andre Paul, @KingBigDaddesty, King of Arkansas and Maude, Queen of Minnesota also made the guest list.

As impressive as the creme-de-la-creme of vampire society is, this party had a very personal feel and it is obvious Northman is well-loved by his progeny. His newest Childe, @TrinityBodare attended with her husband @CaptainRaynes1. They were also accompanied by @TamaraLanglee. Elder Childe Pam Ravenscroft had her hands full helping to organize the event but still managed to find for a lengthy tete-a-tete with King Bill. Scarlett, whom Northman referred to as his bonded during the evening, certainly went to great lengths to see that his party was an amazing event. One can’t help wondering, however, why she was seen leaving in the company of @LF_Snow, whom, it had been rumored was flirting earlier in the week with Pam….

The gifts alone put Northman among the most envied of vampires ranging from a fae to original artwork to a red Aston Martin convertible to a free vacation in Biloxi. One might wonder who is trying to buy his favor or, perhaps, buy their way out of trouble.

By all accounts the party was a hit from the Russian Blood Cake to the music of the night. Should we start looking forward to next year…?

Dragon Age Legends among first Google+ games

“We’re very excited to be among the first games launching on Google’s new social project. It’s an honor to join Google in celebrating the birth of their gaming platform on Google+ by expanding Dragon Age Legends to an even wider audience,” said Dr. Ray Muzyka, Co-founder of BioWare and General Manager of the BioWare Label at EA. “Dragon Age Legends raises the quality bar for social network games. By bringing the franchise to Google+, we’re able to connect and entertain Millions of existing and new fans within the rich, immersive Dragon Age universe!”

Having raised the hackles of gamers in July by denying access to individuals not using their “real” name, Google+™ appears to be offering an olive branch of sorts by making Dragon Age Legends, the popular dark fantasy RPG from Electronic Arts Inc. one of the first games available through the fledgling social network. Dragon Age Legends, developed by BioWare San Francisco, is the only game of its kind on Google+. It reportedly became available on Thursday, 11 August, 2011, however, as with all things related to Google+, not everyone has access to it because “We’re currently testing with a small number of Google+ users.”  So much for the olive branch.

The game sounds great. BioWare and EA have reportedly reinvented the Dragon Age franchise for social play on Google+. What that means is that they have created a game blending tactical combat, progression and exploration of the Dragon Age universe in a way specifically designed for gameplay using the Circles and Hangouts that are the hallmark of Google+.

Dragon Age Legends for Goggle+ puts players back into the Free Marches, the primary setting of Dragon Age II which debuted in March 2011 for the Xbox 360® and PlayStation®3 systems as well as the PC. Google+ players will take on challenging quests as part of an engaging storyline that allows them to earn loot, share rewards and grow their kingdom alongside those of their Google+ friends and connections.

Dragon Age Legends includes a gratifying character customization and upgrade system that allows players to defeat demons and Darkspawn to become a legendary hero within the Dragon Age universe. Players will also test their mettle against their friends in player versus player combat in the Guild arenas. Unfortunately for those role-players adventuring on Facebook as well as Google+, the two universes are not compatible, although both are tied to the player’s EA account, according to the Dragon Age Legends FAQ.

For more information on Dragon Age Legends, and to play the game, visit www.dragonagelegends.com or http://www.plus.google.com. If you haven’t already, you can join the Dragon Age community at social.bioware.com.

North America enjoys DQ Miracle Treat Day

Miracles, by definition, are preternatural. They are, according to Dictionary.com “an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.” Today, 11 August, 2011, ordinary humans can help create miracles for hospitalized children and reward themselves during the sixth annual Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day. 

The Dairy Queen system is one of the top 10 contributors to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, having raised more than $86 million since 1984. Last year, Dairy Queen locations across the U.S. and Canada raised nearly $5 million on DQ Miracle Treat Day. In 2011, $1 or more from every Blizzard® Treat sold at participating Dairy Queen locations on 11 August will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. All donations collected on Miracle Treat Day stay in the community in which they are raised to support local kids at area Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a charity that raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the funds when it is needed most. Donations have gone to support research and training, for the purchase of equipment and to pay for uncompensated care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more that $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time.

The original Oreo® Blizzard Treat is  the featured Miracle Treat Day Blizzard of the Day. The Oreo ® Blizzard Treat has reigned as the most popular flavor since Blizzards were introduced in 1985.

“Miracle Treat Day has become one of summer’s most celebrated events and something that our customers and franchises really look forward to,” said Michael Keller, chief brand officer for American Dairy Queen Corporation. “We hear stories families with children who were patients at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, as well as from friends and neighbors who are so eager to help. This day of goodwill for children touches all of us in communities throughout the United States and Canada. We appreciate everyone who supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by participating in the Miracle Treat Day.”

Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure begins celebrating 85 years of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

“Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure is a fantastic way to kick-off our 85th Anniversary celebrations,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Since 1947, the iconic Macy’s elf balloons have been fan favorites and for generations have served as an emblem of the Macy’s Parade. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a key element of America’s favorite parade is one that aspiring artists should not miss. We can’t wait to see all the inspired creations and look forward to the winning design joining the rest of the Macy’s elf family in the Parade this year.”

So what is Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure? Well, is seems that Macy’s existing Parade Elves have been dispatched across the U.S. as well as in Guam and Puerto Rico, to celebrate the upcoming 85th Anniversary of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. In their excitement, the elves left Santa’s Workshop in the middle of summer and weren’t quite ready for their Parade debut. As a result, well, they’re a little colorless. Which is great news for anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a balloonatic as Macy’s Parade balloon designers are called.

Beginning 9 August, 2011, artists and amateur balloonatics need to search out any of the more than 10,000 rambunctious elves in need of a paint job at Macy’s stores nationwide. Once an elf has been spotted, artists can let their imagination run wild as they transform the elves from understudy to a multicolored creation of wonder and star of the show. Would-be balloonatics have until 24 August, 2011 to enter their creation at Facebook.com/Macys for the chance to win a trip for four to New York City and see it soar to new heights in the legendary holiday extravaganza.

Macy's Elves (image courtesy of Macy's)

To find Macy’s magical elves in Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure, look for clues on Macy’s Facebook page and via Twitter @Macyservents or #Macyself. Each day between 9 and 24 August, Macy’s will post a clue and a password that will help reveal the location of the elves. The daily clue and password can also be retrieved by texting  ELF to MACYS (62297). Once would-be-balloonatics have deduced where the elves have taken shelter that day they must tell a department sales associate the daily password to receive their coveted fae model.

In addition to sheltering colorless elves in Macy’s stores across the U.S., 10 cities will host Macy’s Elf-Apolooza as a few high-spirited gnomes take a road-trip across the country. Starting from New York City and Jackson, MS, the elves and some helpers will be bringing fun-filled family events to Los Angeles, Omaha, Detroit, Little Rock, Greenville, Des Moines, El Paso and Anchorage.

The magic really begins once the artists get their new elf friend home. Fans are asked to let their imagination take flight and design what could be the newest member of the Parade elf contingent. Once their masterpiece is complete, the amateur balloonatic should submit detailed front and back photos of their creation to Macy’s via Facebook. To enter, participants will need to “like” Macy’s on Facebook and the download the “Elf” application. Entries must include the identification serial number found on the packaging containing the elf (all real Macy’s elves will have one) and upload their photo and complete application by Wednesday, 24 August at 11:59:59 PM ET.

A judging panel from Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group will narrow the entries down to the Top 85. These 85 entries will be posted to Macy’s Facebook page on Tuesday, 30 August for fans and friends to begin voting for their favorite elf. The elf garnering the most votes as of Tuesday, 6 September, 2011 will be announced in mid-September. The winning design will then be transformed into a helium wonder by the magicians of Macy’s Parade Studio. In addition the winning artist and newest balloonatic, accompanied by three friends or family members will receive a trip to New York City to see the Parade live and enjoy their elf’s maiden flight.

Complete entry rules and regulations for Macy’s Great American Elf Adventure are available in-store or by visiting Facebook.com/Macys.

The 85th Anniversary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on Thursday, 24 November, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in all time zones on NBC-TV. Check your local listing for station information.

Intelligent discussion of new Bible will be televised

A new edition of the Bible was published in June 2011. That isn’t exactly news. Dozens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of editions have been published since Gutenberg produced the first one. Tree of Life Bible: The New Covenant, however, is the first of it’s kind, which is probably why it rates discussion on national television in the U.S.

The Tree of Life Messianic Bible represents a collaboration between Messianic Jewish and Christian scholars, leaders, artists, linguists, rabbis, writers, psalmists and others who came together to create a Messianic version of the Bible suitable for the entire family and followers of many faiths. Jews curious about Messiah will see how Yeshua became the Prophet, like Moses, full of glory, grace and truth. Modern-day Christians can rediscover the Jewish roots of their faith. People of all faiths can compare that the New Covenant says with what the Hebrew Bible says and not just from one person’s or belief’s point of view.

The stimulating conversation around this profoundly different yet thoroughly accessible Bible with Dr. Raymond L. Gannon will be broadcast nationally on CTN, TBN, Daystar, Angel One, TCC Church Channel, NRB Network and GEB. Involved in widespread Jewish evangelism, Messianic synagogue planting and Bible college and seminary teaching methods for more than four decades, Gannon joins Jonathan Bernis on Jewish Voices to discuss how this latest version of the Bible came about. Gannon also contributed to The Tree of Life Messianic Bible.

Check your local listing for station and time information.